This trail is used to hike to two rock climbing areas. There is a guide book available for rock climbers if you are into it. The two areas are known as, Valhalla and French Cattle Ranch. Each area boasts several dozen routes for all levels.

The hike in starts by passing thru a gate with an electric fence. It's a well worn path but partially overgrown to start with. It's a very remote area teaming with wildlife. Bears, moose, elk, deer, to name a few. After a quarter mile you'll arrive at a gigantic boulder. A cow skull directs you left to Valhalla, right to French Cattle Ranch. The gigantic boulder is decorated with various skeleton parts. At the base of the boulder is a storage locker for the Washakie County Sheriff Search and Rescue. Going to the right here, the trail starts to climb and gets steeper and steeper. These climbers apparently don't believe in switchbacks, they are here to climb. The trail eventually makes a beeline to the cliffs that have been off to the left the entire time. The trail parallels the cliffs from here on. The routes are easily spotted with hardware left behind and chalk on the rock. Views of the valley below are awesome from this vantage. Eventually you come to an area of blue limestone cliffs. When you get your fill return the way you came.

Gate Policy: If a gate is closed upon arrival, leave it closed after you go through. If it is open, leave it open. Leaving a closed gate open may put cattle in danger. Closing an open gate may cut them off from water. Please be respectful, leave gates as found.

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

Permit $$

FS

Directions

Map Drive

or

Road

Paved - Car Okay

To hikeHighway 16 , 42 miles west of Buffalo, Wyoming. Just before severe u turn to drop down to Tensleep, Wyoming.